Although sex differences in prevalence across a range of neurodegenerative conditions (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) are well known, there are associated differences in the profile of risks, clinical presentations, and responses to treatment in men and women that are largely overlooked. In this talk I will describe and discuss a number of ways in which improving our understanding of the interaction between sex, gender and disease processes might help with developing ‘personalised’ treatments to improve outcomes and quality of life for both those suffering from, and those caring for loved ones with ill health in later life.